Saskatoon StarPhoenix

Ferocious feline has Galaxy seeing stars

- TERRENCE PETTY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

PORTLAND, ORE. — In what truly epitomized the title of his TV show, My Cat From Hell, feline behaviouri­st Jackson Galaxy is calling his attempt to tame the Portland cat notorious for attacking a baby and boxing his panicked owners into a bedroom “the hardest case I have ever worked.”

It got more difficult after the happy ending for the cat named Lux soon unravelled.

In the reality show that aired last weekend, Galaxy persuades another Portland couple to take Lux while the cat is treated with antidepres­sants and anti-seizure medication. A veterinari­an diagnosed Lux with feline hyperesthe­sia syndrome, which can trigger violent behaviour.

But after the episode’s tap- ing, Lux attacked his new guardians and they gave him up for their own safety.

“It was the worst letdown,” Galaxy said. “I don’t think I’ve ever had a bigger shock. This is the hardest case I have ever worked.”

But take heart, Lux supporters: The four-year-old cat has become Galaxy’s buddy, and the reality star says he hasn’t given up. He’s placed Lux in a veterinary clinic where the cat receives medication while undergoing treatment to try to identify what turns this feline Dr. Jekyll into Mr. Hyde.

Lux became notorious after his owner called 911 on March 9 as the cat terrorized his family. Lee Palmer told dispatcher­s Lux had scratched his son’s head and was out of control. The family barricaded themselves in a bedroom, and Lux could be heard screeching menacingly in the background.

 ?? THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, ANIMAL PLANET ?? Lux, a Portland, Ore., cat featured on Animal Planet’s My Cat From Hell is notorious for prompting its owner to call 911 after hiding from the feline when it turned belligeren­t.
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, ANIMAL PLANET Lux, a Portland, Ore., cat featured on Animal Planet’s My Cat From Hell is notorious for prompting its owner to call 911 after hiding from the feline when it turned belligeren­t.

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